An issue system is a method used to record items which have been borrowed from (issued) from a library so staff can keep track of resources and produce statistical information about how they support teaching and learning.

Any issue system should:

o allow the borrower of an item to be traced

o hold records of individual borrowers

o report on borrowing habits of an individual, class, school, gender, year group etc

o identify which books are popular and which are not

o provide statistical information

o give evidence regarding how the library supports learning in the school for self- evaluation, management, governors Ofsted etc.

Additionally a computerised system will:

o list all items

o offer the facility to search the database in a variety of ways

o offer the facility to catalogue online records and links to them

MANUAL SYSTEMS

WALL CHART

o Hanging chart with named pocket for each child.

o Each item contains a pocket with card showing title and name of author.

o When an item is loaned the card is taken from the pocket and placed in the pocket on the wall chart with the child’s name.

o When the item is returned the book card is replaced in the book.

CLASS NOTEBOOK/READER INDEX CARDS

o A notebook is provided for each class with a page for each child in alphabetical order. Every time an item is borrowed it is recorded under the correct child’s name. Columns can be customised to include the details required by the school such as title, author, date borrowed, comments etc. When the item is returned the entry is crossed through or a note made in another column that it has been returned.

o A similar system can be implemented using index cards.

BROWNE SYSTEM

o Each item has a date label, pocket and book card. Each borrower has one or more tickets.

o When an item is borrowed the card is removed from the date label and placed in the borrower’s card. The date label can be stamped with a return date.

o The card is filed in trays by class or date.

o When the item is returned the card is replaced in the date label pocket.

COMPUTERISED SYSTEMS

o Records every item in library giving details of title, author, ISBN, class number and accession (unique identification number). It can also contain many other details including a picture of the item.

o These are downloaded into the system by scanning the ISBN. Providers of such systems will charge an annual fee Helpdesk fee for this service.

o The system records the names of all potential borrowers. Often these can be imported from SIMS. Each borrower has a unique Identification number. Borrowers can be issued with a card with this number or a record of borrower’s names and numbers can be kept in the library. Some systems offer a fingerprint reader.

o To issue an item, the borrower’s number is scanned followed by the item barcode.

Resources for Learning is part of Support Services for Education. Support Services for Education provides a wide range of services to schools and other educational providers promoting educational excellence for all the children and young people of Somerset and beyond. To find out more about what we can offer you please visit our website www.SupportServicesforEducation.co.uk.